Note: This “Moore to the Point” commentary aired on NewsTalkSTL on Monday, August 1st. Audio included below.

We’re in the home stretch, folks. While August 2^nd seemed like it would take forever to get here, Primary Election Day has finally arrived for Missourians, and tomorrow, you finally get to have your say.

In some races, tomorrow’s outcome will be more critical than the General Election in November. That’s the blessing of living in a red state – sorry, Illinois! – in many cases, we can be reasonably assured that whoever wins the primary will also win the general. But that also requires choosing between candidates who may have largely overlapping platforms, rather than starkly contrasting ones.

So, then you have to look at things like voting records, character, and electability.

Don’t get caught flat-footed – do your research ahead of time. Know which candidate best represents your values and exhibits effective leadership. Follow the Buckley standard: Vote for “the most right, viable candidate who could win.”

And since we just went through redistricting, double check where your polling place is – because it may very well have changed since the last time you voted.

On the national front, given the current state of things, Republicans stand a very good chance of taking back the House in November – and a reasonable one of recapturing the Senate. But don’t take anything for granted. None of that will happen if you don’t get out there and vote.  Let’s do this.